Mechanical Evaluation of AZ80 Magnesium Alloy in Cast Wrought Form

Wrought magnesium alloy AZ80 with a thick section of 20 mm was prepared by squeeze casting (SC) and permanent steel mold casting (PSMC). The porosity measurements of the SC and PSMC depicted that SC AZ80 had a pore content of 0.52%, which was 77% lower than 2.21% of PSMC AZ80 counterpart. The YS, UTS, ef, E and strengthening rate of cast AZ80 were determined by mechanical pulling. The engineering stress versus strain bended lines showed that SC AZ80 had a YS of 84.7 MPa, a UTS of 168.2 MPa, 5.1% in ef, and 25.1 GPa in modulus. But, the YS, UTS and ef of the PSMC AZ80 specimen were only 71.6 MPa, 109.0 MPa, 1.9% and 21.9 GPa. The findings of the mechanical pulling evidently depicted that the YS, UTS, ef and E of SC AZ80 were 18%, 54%, 174% and 15% higher than PSMC counterpart. The computed resilience and toughness suggested that the SC AZ80 exhibited greater resistance to tensile loads during elastic deformation and possessed higher capacity to absorb energy during plastic deformation compared to the PSMC AZ80. At the beginning of permanent change, the strengthening rate of SC AZ80 was 10,341 MPa, which was 9% greater than 9489 MPa of PSMC AZ80. The high mechanical characteristics of SC AZ80 should be primarily attributed to its low porosity level. .

Research advances of magnesium and magnesium alloys globally in 2023

Magnesium materials have attracted the attention of many researchers,and the related research is expanding.This article summarizes the advance in the research and development of magnesium materials globally in 2023 from bibliometric and scientific perspectives.More than 4680 articles on Mg and its alloys were published and indexed in the Web of Science(WoS)Core Collection database last year.The bibliometric analyses show that the traditional structural Mg alloys,functional Mg materials,and corrosion and protection of Mg alloys are still the main research focus.Therefore,this review paper mainly focuses on the research progress of Mg cast alloys,Mg wrought alloys,bio-magnesium alloys,Mg-based energy storage materials,corrosion and protection of Mg alloys in 2023.In addition,future research directions are proposed based on the challenges and obstacles identified throughout this review.

Recent research and developments on wrought magnesium alloys

Wrought magnesium alloys attract special interests as lightweight structural material due to their homogeneous microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties compared to as-cast alloys.In this contribution,recent research and developments on wrought magnesium alloys are reviewed from the viewpoint of the alloy design,focusing on Mg-Al,Mg-Zn and Mg-rare earth(RE)systems.The effects of different alloying elements on the microstructure and mechanical properties are described considering their strengthening mechanisms,e.g.grain refinement,precipitation and texture hardening effect.Finally,the new alloy design and also the future research of wrought magnesium alloys to improve their mechanical properties are discussed.

Key R&D activities for development of new types of wrought magnesium alloys in China

Many researchers in China are actively engaged in the development of new types of wrought magnesium alloys with low cost or with high-performances and novel plastic processing technologies.The research activities are funded primarily through four government-supported programs:the Key Technologies R&D Program of China,the National Basic Research Program of China,the National High-tech R&D Program of China,and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.The key R&D activities for the development of new wrought magnesium alloys in China are reviewed,and typical properties of some new alloys are summarized. More attentions are paid to high-strength wrought magnesium alloys and high-plasticity wrought magnesium alloys.Some novel plastic processing technologies,emerging in recent years,which aim to control deformation texture and to improve plasticity and formability especially at room temperature,are also introduced.

Mechanical properties and microstructures of a wrought AZ91 alloy

Effects of hot plastic deformation on microstructures and tensile propertiesof AZ91 alloy were investigated. Compared with as-T4 microstructures, the as-extruded samples ofAZ91 alloy with fine grains exhibit better strength and ductility due to dynamic recrystallization.The succeeded rotation forging also provides finer grains while the strength increases, but theelongation decreases. Simultaneously, wrought AZ91 alloy shows more balance properties than as-T4condition ones. An interesting elongation of 228.5% is attained in the as-extruded AZ91 alloy inspite of the coarse grains with the size of 85 μm. The two-step method enhances the superplasticproperty of AZ91 alloy. The microstructure is still keeping the same scale of grains aftersuperplastic testing.

Microstructure characteristics and solidification behavior of wrought aluminum alloy 2024 rheo-diecast with self-inoculation method

One important problem in casting wrought aluminum alloys is the high tendency to the formation of hot tears in the solidification process.By using semi-solid metal(SSM) processing,the hot tearing tendency of alloys can be minimized during casting.In the present research,the semi-solid slurry of wrought aluminum alloy 2024 was firstly prepared with a novel self-inoculation method(SIM),and then the microstructure characteristics of the semi-solid slurry and the rheo-diecastings cast with the semi-solid slurry were investigated.The results indicate that finer and more uniform globular primary α-Al particles can be obtained when the semi-solid slurry are isothermally held for a short period within the semi-solid temperature range,and the primary α-Al particles without entrapped liquid are uniformly fine,globular grains in the rheo-diecastings.The holding temperature and time affect the solid fraction,particle size,and shape factor.After the semi-solid slurry is held at 625 ℃ for 3 min and 5 min,the optimal values for the average equivalent diameter are 70.80 μm and 74.15 μm,and for the shape factor are 1.32 and 1.42,respectively.The solidification process of the rheo-diecastings is composed of the following two distinct stages:primary solidification process and secondary solidification process.The secondary solidification process consists further of the following three stages:(1) direct growth of secondary primary(α 2) phase from the surface of the primary α-Al phase particles without re-nucleation,(2) independent nucleation and growth of α 3 phase from the residual liquid,and(3) eutectic reaction at the end.

MICROSTRUCTURE MODIFICATIONS OF WROUGHT AND CAST TiAl ALLOYS

The recent advances in the microstructure modifications of wrought and cast TiAl alloys in CISRI were presented. The contributed results and discussions included the aspects and mechanisms of the refinement and homogenization of the FL microstructure in wrought TiAl alloy and the microstructure adjustment of cast TiAl alloy. The mechanical properties of the modified microstructures of wrought and cast Ti 46.5 Al 2.5 V 1.0 Cr (mole fraction,%) alloys have been experimentally evaluated as well.

Anisotropy of wrought magnesium alloys: A focused overview

In this paper, the relationship between anisotropic mechanical properties and the corresponding microstructure evolution of wrought magnesium alloys is critically reviewed. Experimental observations of the strong anisotropy(including the strength differential effect) induced by texture and twinning are discussed under different loading conditions(i.e., monotonic, cyclic and multiaxial loading). An accurate constitutive model is essential to describe the mechanical responses and to predict the forming performance considering engineering applications. Therefore, macroscale constitutive modeling of the anisotropy of magnesium alloys with directional distortional hardening are comprehensively reviewed with different approaches. To clarify the origin of the anisotropic behavior, physics-based mesoscale modeling of the anisotropy is also compared in detail.

WROUGHT TiAl ALLOY DESIGN

Empirical improvements made in cast alloys have led to gamma alloys which are a viable materials technology, and to the development of various applications for gas turbine engines, as well as automotive engines. For wrougth alloys, over the last seven years the author et al have made extensive efforts to remove their deficiencies, and to achieve an improved balance of properties, across three interrelated task areas. The first effort was directed toward understanding fundamentals, such as phase relations, microstructure evolution, and microstructure property relationships. The second task was then directed to improve the balance of properties through designing refined lamellar microstructures and microalloying. The third effort was to explore the production methods to develop desired microstructures and to optimize the alloy compositions. This paper discusses the progress made from the last two efforts.

Low-cost and high-strength Mg-Al-Ca-Zn-Mn wrought alloy with balanced ductility

A novel low-cost Mg-Al-Ca-Zn-Mn-based alloy was developed to simultaneously improve its strength and ductility.The high yield strength of 411 MPa and the high elongation to failure of~8.9%have been achieved in the as-extruded Mg-1.3Al-1.2Ca-0.5Zn-0.6Mn(wt%)sample.Microstructure characterizations showed that the high strength is mainly associated with the ultra-fined dynamically recrystallized(DRXed)grains.Moreover,high-density dislocations in the un-DRXed region and nano-precipitates are distributed among theα-Mg matrix.The high ductility property can be ascribed to the high volume fraction of DRXed grains with a much randomized texture,as well as the formations of high-density subgrains in the un-DRXed grain regions.

Solidification behavior of 6061 wrought aluminum alloy during rheo-diecasting process with self-inoculation method

The semisolid slurry of the 6061 wrought aluminum alloy was prepared by the self-inoculation method（SIM）. The effects of the isothermal holding parameters on microstructures of rheo-diecastings were investigated, and the solidification behavior of 6061 wrought aluminum alloy during the rheo-diecasting process was analyzed using OM, SEM, EDS and EBSD. The results indicate that the isothermal holding process during slurry preparation has great effect on primary α（Al） particles（α1）, but has little effect on the microstructure of secondary solidification in the process of thin-walled rheo-diecasting. Nucleation is expected to take place in the entire remaining liquid when the remaining liquid fills the die cavity, and the secondary solidification particles（α2） are formed after the process of stable growth, unstable growth and merging. The solute concentration of remaining liquid is higher than that of the original alloy due to the existence of α1 particles, hence the contents of Mg and Si in α2 particles are higher than those in α1 particles.

Effects of solution treatment and aging process on microstructure refining of semi-solid slurry of wrought aluminum alloy 7A09

A new method was exploited using solution treatment and aging process as a pretreatment in preparing semi-solid slurry with fine microstructure before isothermal treatment of wrought aluminum alloy 7A09.Parameters of pretreatment were optimized by orthogonal experiment design and proper precursor was prepared.The evolution of microstructure of semi-solid slurry during isothermal treatment was analyzed and the mechanism of microstructure refining was discussed.The result of orthogonal experiment design shows that the optimum parameters are 462 ℃for solution temperature,40min for solution time,132 ℃for aging temperature and 14 h for aging time.Microstructure of isothermal treatment is fine,homogenous,with globular solid grains and a solid fraction between 50%and 70%,which is qualified for later semi-solid forming process.Mechanism of microstructure evolution includes the agglomeration ofα-phase and Ostwald ripening.Precipitations prepared by solution and aging treatment prevent the grains from coarsening and promote the grain ripening to globular shape.

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Mg-Ce-Zn-Zr wrought alloy

Microstructures and mechanical properties of （Mg-2.0%Ce-0.7%Zn-0.7%Zr） alloy were studied. The results of scanning electron microscopy show that Mg12Ce phase mainly distributes at the grain boundaries. The fine (Mg12Ce) phase can apparently elevate recrystallization temperature by preventing the grain boundary migration. No dynamic recrystallization occurs during the hot-extrusion. The mechanical properties of as extruded specimens are （σb=278.5 MPa,） δ=12.0%, while those of the specimens annealed at 250 ℃ for 100 h are σb=（272.6 MPa,） δ=（11.3%,） which indicate that the alloy has good mechanical properties at room temperature.

SEMI-SOLID MICROSTRUCTURE AND ITS EVOLUTION OF WROUGHT ALUMINUM ALLOY BY DIRECTLYHEATING-ISOTHERMAL TREATMENT

Microstructure evolution of wrought aluminum alloy extruded rods and the mechanism of liquid phase formation during reheating were investigated. And the relation between the volume fraction of liquid phase and the recrystallization microstructure was proposed. The results show that increase in reheating temperature and time can augment the volume fraction of liquid phase and accelerate the grain spheroidization, as a result of which the requirement of semi-solid forming can be satisfied. Due to the higher aberration energy of grain boundary, the melting point is lowered as a result of the easy diffusion of atoms. At higher reheating temperature the grain boundary melts, the growth of the recrystallized grain is inhibited and the grain is refined. The composition of the low melt-point phase along the recrystallized grains was determined using EDS. It can be seen from the experimental results that when the extrusion rod of the wrought aluminum alloy is reheated at 610℃ for 20min, perfect fine equiaxial grains can be obtained, the average grain size is about 66.34μm and the volume fraction of solid phase is about 68%.

Preparation of semi-solid slurry containing fine and globular particles for wrought aluminum alloy 2024

The semi-solid slurry of wrought aluminum alloy 2024 was prepared by a well developed rheocasting process, low superheat pouring with shearing field(LSPSF). The appreciate combination of pouring temperature and rotation speed of barrel, can give rise to a transition of the growth morphology of primary α(Al) from coarse-dendritic to coarse-particle-like and further to fine-globular. The combined effects of both localized rapid cooling and vigorous mixing during the initial stage of solidification can enhance wall nucleation and nuclei survival, which leads to the formation of fine-globular primary α(Al). By using semi-solid slurry prepared by LSPSF, direct squeeze cast cup-shaped component with improved mechanical properties such as yield strength of 198 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 306 MPa and elongation of 10.4%, can be obtained.

Microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of rheoformed wrought aluminum alloy 2024

The microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of 2024 wrought aluminum alloy produced by a new rheoforming technique under as-cast and optimized heat treatment conditions were investigated. The present rheoforming combined the independently developed rheocasting process, named as LSPSF (low superheat pouring with a shear field) process, and the existing squeeze casting process. The experimental results show that LSPSF can be used to prepare sound semi-solid slurry within 25 s to fully meet the production rate of squeeze casting. The primary α(Al) presents in mean equivalent diameter of 69 μm and shape factor of 0.76, and features zero-entrapped eutectics. Compared with conventional squeeze casting, the present LSPSF rheoforming can improve the microstructures and mechanical properties. An optimized heat treatment results in substantial reduction of microsegregation and significant improvement of mechanical properties, such as yield strength of 321 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 428 MPa and elongation of 12%.

Effects of heat-treatment on microstructure of wrought magnesium alloy ZK60

The microstructure of the as-cast, as-solution-treated and as-aged wrought magnesium alloy ZK60 was studied. The results indicate that the microstructure of the as-cast ZK60 alloy is mainly composed of network eutectic (α-Mg+MgZn) and divorced eutectic MgZn, which semi-continuously distribute along the grain boundaries or in the interdendritic area and almost dissolve into the matrix after solid solution treatment. The Laves phase MgZn2 is not sensitive to the heat treatment and seems to form at the early stage of solidification and keeps its size and shape till the aging stage. It is believed that the occurrence of the Laves phase in the ZK60 alloy would possibly contribute to the defects. Many new phases, including MgZn phase which is different from that forms during eutectic reaction, precipitate after aging treatment.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of wrought magnesium alloy AZ31B welded by laser-TIG hybrid

The laser-TIG hybrid welding was mainly used to weld the wrought magnesium alloy AZ31B. The technical characteristics of laser-TIG hybrid welding process was investigated and the interactional mechanism between laser and arc was discussed, at the same time the microstructure and mechanical properties of the wrought magnesium alloy AZ31B using laser-TIG hybrid welding were analyzed by optical microscope, EPMA, SEM, tensile machine, hardness machine. The experimental results show that the presence of laser beam boosts up the stability of the arc during high speed welding and augments the penetration of weld; the crystal grains of magnesium alloy weld are fine without porosity and cracks in the best welding criterion and the microstructure of HAZ does not become coarse obviously. The elements profile analysis reveals that Mg content in the weld is lower than that of the base metal, but Al content is higher slightly. Under this experimental condition, the wrought magnesium alloy AZ31B joint can be achieved using laser-TIG hybrid process and the tensile strength of the joint is equivalent to that of the base metal.

Research advances of magnesium and magnesium alloys worldwide in 2022

More than 4600 papers in the field of Mg and Mg alloys were published and indexed in the Web of Science(WoS)Core Collection database in 2022.The bibliometric analyses indicate that the microstructure,mechanical properties,and corrosion of Mg alloys are still the main research focus.Bio-Mg materials,Mg ion batteries and hydrogen storage Mg materials have attracted much attention.Notable contributions to the research and development of magnesium alloys were made by Chongqing University(>200 papers),Chinese Academy of Sciences,Shanghai Jiao Tong University,and Northeastern University(>100 papers)in China,Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon in Germany,Ohio State University in the USA,the University of Queensland in Australia,Kumanto University in Japan,and Seoul National University in Korea,University of Tehran in Iran,and National University of Singapore in Singapore,etc.This review is aimed to summarize the progress in the development of structural and functional Mg and Mg alloys in 2022.Based on the issues and challenges identified here,some future research directions are suggested.

Study on the Deformation Behavior of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Mn Wrought Magnesium Alloys by Visco-plastic Self-consistent Modeling

The plastic deformation behavior of new Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Mn magnesium alloys gains great necessity to clarify and understand the mechanism deeply. In the present work,the tensile mechanical property test and visco-plastic self-consistent (VPSC) model are used to investigate the activities of deformation modes of VW84M and VW94M magnesium alloys during the tensile deformation. The results show that the mechanical properties of the above extruded alloys are similar but VW94M has higher strength than VW84M after the same aging process. Compared with the extruded alloys,the as-aged alloys have significantly higher activation of pyramidal slip at the later stage of plastic deformation. In addition,the as-aged VW94M alloy with higher strength has the largest activity of pyramidal slip. In summary,the addition of Gd increases the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS)in each slip system of VW94M,while the increase in the strength and the decrease in the elongation of as-aged alloys are associated with the significant activation of pyramidal slip.